WBC world flyweight champion Roman Gonzalez has moved his training camp to Costa Rica ahead of his title defence against McWilliams Arroyo on April 23.
Gonzalez will feature on the undercard of middleweight king Gennady Golovkin’s fight with Dominic Wade at The Forum in Los Angeles, California.
He has moved from his native Nicaragua in order to reduce the distractions around him.
“This is a big opportunity for Arroyo. He feels like he should already be champion from his close, split decision loss to Amnat Ruenroeng [in 2014] and I know how strong and well prepared he will be for this fight. This is a big test and very important fight for me,” he said.
“Moving camp to Costa Rica at this time makes sense, the sparring there is better and the location allows me to completely focus on the fight without any distractions.”
Nicaraguan legend Alexis Arguello won all four fights he had at The Forum, and Gonzalez hopes to emulate his hero.
He also acknowledged the clamour for a rematch with Juan Francisco Estrada – the only man to come close to beating him when he took him 12 rounds in a terrific fight in 2012.
“It’s very exciting to return to the Forum and also to fight once again on HBO. I’m honored that my fans from all over can attend or watch my fights, it’s what I’ve always wanted for my career. Also fighting in the same venue where my idol Alexis Arguello was successful means a great deal to me.” Arguello won all four of his fights at the Forum,” he said.
“I get asked a great deal about the rematch with Estrada but for now I have a very tough fight in front of me against McWilliams Arroyo on April 23 and I’m fully focused on this.”
